First of three 500-tonne winches put into operation - Probably the strongest overhead crane in South Africa

With a load capacity of 500 t, the winch is one of the most powerful hoisting units built to date by SWF Krantechnik. The rope drum has a diameter of 1.75 m. The rope has a diameter of 36 mm and a length of 500 m. The hoisting unit has been classified according to FEM 1BM / M3. The dead weight of the winch is 42 t. An electric wire rope hoist NOVA NE with a load capacity of 40 t is used as an auxiliary hoist. The double girder trolley has been classified according to FEM 1AM / M4.

Both hoisting units are mounted on the double girder crane with a gauge of 4.2 m. The span width of the crane is 23 m with a lifting height of 19.5 m. Thanks to the tandem function, both hoisting units can be controlled simultaneously or, if necessary, individually.

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The winch features the crane intelligence function ESR (Extended Speed Range). This function boosts productivity in the partial-load range. When lifting lighter loads, the excess and unused motor performance is used to increase the maximum possible lifting speed. The possible lifting speed is calculated automatically and enables smooth lifting.

Two boogie end carriages, each with eight wheels and a diameter of 710 mm, are responsible for the powerful crane drive. Four of the wheels on each end carriage are powered by electrical motors. The swivelling connectors ensure that all the wheels lies on the crane rail so that the wheel loads are optimally distributed.

Pro Crane Services (PCS) based in Johannesburg, South Africa, designed, produced and assembled the crane. PCS is a long-standing partner of SWF Krantechnik and boasts a wealth of experience in crane construction and hoisting solutions. The crane specialists had to transport the individual components over 120 km to their final destination. Assembly took about a week and subsequent commissioning was complete within two days. PCS is currently working on the production of two further structurally identical cranes. Two years ago PCS delivered three overhead cranes each with a load capacity of 160 t to the Sky Hill site of the company Hydra Arc (Pty) Ltd.. Then, the CRABster hoists from SWF Krantechnik were used as the hoisting units.

At its Sky Hill site Hydra Arc produces components and containers for the petrochemical industry. Given the enormous dimensions of the components required and the resulting weights, the company decided to procure the three powerful crane systems each with a load capacity of 500 t.

Over the two-day commissioning period, the crane system was tested down to the very last detail. The 500 t winch was firstly prepared for operation in production by the specialists from SWF and PCS. The wiring, screw connections, the settings of the limit switches and converters were all examined with meticulous precision. Following this, the crane bridge was tested and numerous functional and safety tests were performed.